One of the important parts of any culture is marriage. It is a mutual contract agreement between two people for the rest of their lives. And in Muslim culture, they take the wedding very seriously. As it is believed to be one of the core responsibilities of Muslims.
Marriage is the celebration of a new bond between two souls and their families. Later, this leads to the preservation of their religion and culture as their family grows.
If we talk about the Muslim wedding, then it is called the Nikah Ceremony that lasts for three days. As there are some wedding trends and traditions involved in the union of both the families.
These are the lists of Muslim Weddings trends and traditions.
Salat al- Istikhara – prayers to Allah
Marriage is common and encouraged in a Muslim community. The parents find a respectable and responsible partner for their children. Once the right matches are found, meetings are set between the two families and the bride and groom. Before the finalization of their wedding decision, the religious head of the community has been informed of the prayers to Allah for the seek of their blessings for the future couple.
The couples also take part in this ceremony for their happy future home. The prayer is called Salat al – Istikhara, which is recognized as the official notification of marriage in the community.
Mangni- The ring ceremony
The mangni ceremony is also known as the engagement ceremony. In this tradition, the two families officially accept the union of bride and groom. Relatives and close friends along with Jamaat are invited to witness the ring ceremony rituals on the fixed date.
Both the families shower the bride and grooms with gifts, cash, and blessings. The family of the groom presents the gifts first then the brides.
The Manjha and Haldi Ceremony
The mehndi ceremony also took part in the modern tradition before the Nikah. For this ritual, the groom's family sends the turmeric-infused with rose water and sandalwood. This is usually done one or two days before the Nikah ceremony.
The bride dressed in yellow clothes for this ritual. First, the groom's family's women's put the Haldi on the bride's and the same case apply by the bride families to the groom and after that, all the women apply Haldi on bride's face, feet. It is considered a fun ritual that takes place in the groom's house also. It is said that the purpose behind this celebration is to invite peaceful and happy new beginnings.
Heena- Mehndi Ceremony
Just like Manjha and Mangni, Mehndi is another pre-wedding ritual. In this tradition, the bride's family put mehndi on the bride's hand and feet with Heena paste.
However, some families prefer to hire a professional mehndi artist to put mehndi on the bride's hand. The bride dressed in new clothes during this ceremony.
The other women in the family also put mehndi on their hand and after that dancing & singing takes place. It is a great way to prepare a bride for her marriage.
Sanchaq
It is the last pre-wedding ritual in a Muslim wedding. The groom continues to get ready for the wedding, his family members pay a visit to the bride and her family.
They take gifts, fruits, perfume, and the bridal outfit and accessories which are to bore on the day of the Nikah ceremony. These gifts are called Sanchaq, as it signifies the love and support of the bride's new family.
Baraat
The most interesting and fun part of a Muslim wedding is Baraat. It is also called the Nikah ceremony when the grooms arrive. It shows that the Nikah will happen in a couple of hours.
After the arrival of the groom, his entourage is given a warm welcome by the bride's family members. The groom is especially greeted by his mother-in-law after which they proceed to share sweets and drinks.
Nikah- The best part
The best part of rituals is the Nikah ceremony. It is said that the marriage would be solemnized depending on the couples and their family members.
During the ceremony, the women sit around the bride while the men around the groom. Then the Iman or maulvi reads a verse from the Quran and recites a prayer of blessing for the newly couple.
After this, the Maulvi asks the bride if she is agreed with the marriage or not. If she agrees, she replies to Quubool Hai three times, and then the same is repeated for the grooms.
The last step in this ceremony is signing the marriage contract which legally binds the bride and groom together.
Fatiha- First verse of holy Quran
A fatiha is a prayer and the first chapter of the Quran. It is assumed to bring blessings to the new pair. It is important to do because it is a way of seeking Allah's guidance and protection.
It is customary for the Fatiha is to be read in the presence of the couple and their family. After this, the officiant begins to speak about the marriage. And the end of the ceremony, the families gather together to eat.
Mehar
It is also known as Maher. It is a type of Dowry that is offered by the groom to the brides during the Nikah. It is compulsory, however, the family can also present jewelry and property by their choice.
The Mehar is specified in the marriage contract, which is significant during the Nikah ceremony. The main purpose of Dowry is to give a guarantee for the bride's financial security.
Arsi Musharraf – See-through Mirror
This ritual is done after the wedding ceremony. The newel wedding couple lay their eyes for the first time after the Nikah has been completed.
It involves the bride and groom sitting next to each other with their heads covered with a scarf, and a mirror and the Holy Quran placed between them. The couples are allowed to look at each other in the mirror.
Rukhsat – Bidaai
After the Muslim Wedding bought to an end by the Arsi Mushraf, the first pre-post ritual is Rukshat. Here the bride lives their home.
It is an emotional moment that would have lots of eye leaking. After the farewells, the father of the bride hands over to the groom and asks him to take care of his daughter.
On the arrival at her new home, she is welcomed by her mother-in-law who then places the Holy Quran on her head to symbolize her duties as a wife.
Walimah – The Grand Celebration
It is also known as Dawat-e-dalimah. A second pre-wedding ritual of a Muslim wedding. It is a lavish wedding banquet that is usually hosted by the groom's family. The close relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited to the feast.
It is a wedding reception that is organized for the newlyweds to bless them and wish them a happy married life.
Chauthi – Visiting bride's house
The last pre-wedding ritual is Chauthi. This takes place after four days of the wedding. The bride and groom set out to visit the bride's family.
On their arrival, they are welcomed by the bride's family with lots of love and gifts. The couples once again showered with gifts and prayers before they leave for their home.
Final Verdict
When it comes to getting married, the bride and groom want to make their wedding special. It would be possible if every function is made with a good plan. So, for this, there are Muslim Wedding trend and traditions available that is done during the Nikah. Let the experience of the beautiful day and cherish it forever.